"As a local company, we have the benefit of being able to talk with Arizonans directly about what they want from their healthcare plan," said Bill Harris, chief executive officer of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona Advantage. "They've made it very clear they want the freedom to choose their doctors…close to home. Adding Scottsdale Healthcare to the network of our Blue Medicare Advantage plans, members will have expanded access to care."

The Medicare Annual Election Period for 2014 is October 15 through December 7, 2013. Coverage takes effect on January 1, 2014. The annual election period hasn't changed for Medicare, and it is different than the new Affordable Care Act open enrollment period which ends March 31.